Director of Care & Development (Republic of Ireland)

Steering Point Executive Search is supporting Praxis Care in the appointment of a Director of Care and Development in the Republic of Ireland. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this role offers the opportunity to join a stable, driven senior leadership team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people Praxis Care supports.

We are seeking an authentic, values-driven leader with senior experience in organisational management and learning & development to support our 1,800-strong team. Your commitment to improving the lives of those we care for will be central to your success.

About the Role

The Director of Care and Development will:

• Lead, develop, and deliver high-quality care services for adults with mental ill health, learning disabilities, and dementia across the Republic of Ireland.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to formulate strategic, operational, and development plans.
• Work with Heads of Operations to drive continuous improvement and life-enhancement programmes for service users.
• Ensure services meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance, embedding best practice throughout the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role within Health & Social Care or a relevant sector, ideally in multi-site organisations with responsibilities for strategy design and implementation.
• Proven ability to manage large, geographically dispersed teams, including developing direct reports and broader teams, ensuring robust succession planning and high retention.
• Demonstrated experience in setting, communicating, and tracking KPIs, and implementing corrective actions where needed.
• A track record of building strong relationships with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, HSE, families, and commissioners.
• Experience managing large budgets, with a focus on effective resource allocation and cost control.
• Evidence of driving innovation in service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and governance.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Social Work OR First Level Nursing (RMN, RGN, RMNH – must be on live register) with knowledge of adults and children with learning disabilities, mental ill health, or acquired brain injury.
• Minimum 5 years’ senior governance experience in Health & Social Care OR degree-level education with 5+ years’ senior Health & Social Care experience in the care sector.
• Social Work candidates should be registered (or applying for registration) with the Social Care Council. Nursing candidates must be on the live NMC register.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Location: Ardee, Co. Louth (or another location agreed with the successful candidate)
• On-site requirement: Minimum 3 days per week

Remuneration

Salary commensurate with experience, along with a competitive benefits package

How to Apply

If this role aligns with your experience and values, please contact Shay Dalton at Steering Point Executive Search on 086-8562176 or email your CV to sdalton@steeringpoint.ie.

Closing Date: 5pm, Tuesday 14th April 2026

Praxis Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Background checks, including satisfactory references and an enhanced police check, are required for all successful candidates in direct care positions.

Praxis Care is an Equal Opportunities Employer